Character Studies - ElectronicGospel

4. Naomi returns in deep bitterness, angry with God for her losses and unable to take much solacein the companionship of Ruth or the return to her homeland at the beginning of the barley harvestD. Match Made in Heaven1. here is where Ruth and Boaz are introduced (Ruth 2:1-7)a. Ruth’s loyalty to her mother-in-law has impressed Boaz who offers to allow her to continuegleaning in his field and under his protection (Ruth 2:11-13)b. there she labored and dined and became the beneficiary of Boaz’s kindness (Ruth 2:15-16)2. Ruth’s loyalty and Boaz’s generosity sweep away the bitterness in Naomi’s heart (Ruth 2:20)a. she recognizes God’s providence, but also that God works through the efforts of his peoplewho do the right thing without hope of rewardb. Naomi persuades Ruth to approach Boaz with the possibility of marriage, and although thecustom is unusual, Boaz chastely agrees (Ruth 3:6-11)3. there is only one hitch in the plan–a closer relative than Boaz has first refusal and the real estateis a tantalizing gain (Ruth 4:1-4)a. marriage to Ruth the Moabitess, however, is not (Ruth 4:5-6)b. they shook sandals on the deal and the rest is matrimonial history (Ruth 4:13-17)4. the major reason we have this excerpt from the Judges era is to tell us how one outside of thehouse of Israel became the great-grandmother of King David, an ancestor of Jesus the Christa. this was truly a match made in heaven, created by providence and sealed by godlycooperationb. the character of Boaz makes him fit into the plan of GodII. Some ApplicationsA. Participating In God’s Plan1. the tired old expression, “Let go and let God” has probably done as much harm as good in itshistory; it convinces some that their both their eternal salvation and daily decisions are determinedentirely without them, so that they grow idle in their discernment and disinterested in their convictionsa. they drift through life like flotsam on the sea instead of seizing the craft and participating inits courseb. we cannot always know the intricacies of God’s plan for us, but as long as we are doing thegodly thing, we can be sure that we are participating in it, whatever it is2. Boaz behaves like Joseph, thrown into a pit and sold into slavery by his brothers, where he endsup in prison, but because his faith is strong, he rises up and is able to serve God in Egypt; Joseph told hisbrothers that although they meant to do him evil, God meant it for good, in order to save many peoplealive (cf. Genesis 50:20)3. this is what Paul meant when he said, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I wholive, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God,who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).a. we are all recreated in him unto good works which advance his planb. this is how we cooperate with God (Hebrews 13:20-21)B. Generosity and Kindness1. Boaz uses the talents that he possesses to participate in God’s plan–his position and wealthenable him to care for Ruth, but only his generosity and kindness cause him to do so2. generosity is instantly part of the Christian life, considering Jesus taught that it was more blessedto give than to receive (cf. Acts 20:35)a. for generosity to be kindness as well, it must be more than just a grudging obligation (cf.Second Corinthians 9:5); Boaz never begrudged noble Ruth a single thing, nor should we look the otherway when a sincere, genuinely needy person presents the opportunity before us (Second Corinthians9:6-15)b. we cease to be generous when we are too worried about our own condition, apathetic about abrother’s or given to trusting in riches for a sense of contentment (First Timothy 6:17-19)3. kindness is listed in at least four New Testament lists of Christ-like virtues (cf. SecondCorinthians 6:6, Galatians 5:22, Colossians 3:12 and Second Peter 1:7); it is “The steadfast love thatmaintains relationships through gracious aid in times of need” according to Holman’s Dictionary124! Jeff S. Smith